64 Annali di Stomatologia 2012; III (2): 64-68

Ultrasonic bone surgery in the treatment of impacted lower third molar associated to a complex odontoma: a case report

Case Report

Maria Paola Cristalli, DDS, PhD1

Gerardo La Monaca, DDS, PhD1

Nicola Sgaramella, MD, DDS2

Iole Vozza, DDS, PhD1

1 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, “Sapi-enza” University, Rome, Italy2 Department of Surgical Sciences, Foggia University, Italy

Corresponding Author:Maria Paola Cristalli, DDS, PhDDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Oral Surgery Unit, “Sapienza” University of Rome 6, Caserta, St. 00161, ItalyPhone: +39 06 49976651 Fax: +39 06 44230811E-mail: mariapaola.cristalli@uniroma1.it

Summary

The removal of impacted mandibular third molar is a common surgical procedure entailing some risk of complications, especially when the tooth and the in-ferior alveolar nerve and/or lingual cortical plate are in close proximity. A technique that can reduce the possibility of damage is the Ultra Sonic Bone Sur-gery. The aim of this report is to present a paradig-matic case of an impacted mandibular third molar closely associated with a complex odontoma, which was treated with the Ultrasonic Bone Surgery (UBS) device. This technique appeared to be a valid alter-native to manual or mechanical treatment, strongly minimizing trauma to the inferior alveolar nerve, vascular tissues, or surrounding dental tissues.

Key words: lower third molar, odontoma, ultrasonic bone surgery.

Introduction

The extraction of the lower third molar is one of the most frequent procedures in oral surgery (1). Common com-plications following third molar surgery include sensory nerve damage, alveolar osteitis, infection, or haemor-rhage during or after surgery (2,3). Less common com-plications are severe trismus, iatrogenic damage to the adjacent second molar, and iatrogenic mandibular frac-

ture (4-5). Rare complications are brain abscess, epi-dural abscess, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, subcutaneous and tissue space emphysema, subdural emphysema, and herpes zoster syndrome (6). The in-cidence of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injuries ranges from 0.41% to 8.1% for temporary decreases of sensitiv-ity and from 0.014 % to 3.6% for prolonged signs and symptoms (7). When the radiographic signs of proximity of the mandibular canal to the roots of the third molar are present, the incidence of damage can be as high as 35% (8). Risk factors also include advanced age, surgeon’s ex-perience, the use of burs during bone removal or tooth sectioning, and surgical difficulty associated with deeply impacted teeth, particularly if distal bone removal is re-quired (9,10). Thus, any technique that could reduce the possibility of these nerve damages is worthy of exploration: a good example is the Ultra Sonic Bone Surgery (UBS). This technique consists of inducing energetic micro-vibra-tions with a frequency in the 20–32 kHz range, above the audible spectrum. The vibrations are generated by a transducer, which is electrically, piezo-electrically or magnetically controlled. Piezo-electric materials vary in size when they are submitted to an intense electric field, typically in the 500-750 V/mm range. These deforma-tions can further transmit energetic micronic mechanical forces to a tip vibrating up to amplitudes of 200µm. UBS uses piezo-electrical transducers, because the generat-ed movements are more energetic. Ultrasonically moved knives have the ability to cut hard tissues, like teeth and bone. In contrast, soft tissues like gingiva, blood vessels, nerves and sinus membranes are preserved from injury because they vibrate with the tip. This makes UBS par-ticularly suitable for a broad spectrum of surgical appli-cations including apicectomy, bone block section, sinus lifting, split-crest, nerve lateralization, resective bone surgery, and biopsies (11). We present here a case of a deeply located odontoma encompassing an impacted left mandibular third molar in close proximity to the inferi-or alveolar nerve, which was treated by Ultrasonic Bone Surgery (UBS) device.

Case report

A 40-year-old man was referred to the Oral Surgery Unit - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences (Sapi-enza University of Rome, Italy) for recurrent episodes of infection and pain in the mandibular left third molar region. Clinical examination revealed the presence of a partially impacted left mandibular third molar showing

Ultrasonic bone surgery in the treatment of impacted lower third molar associated to a complex odontoma: a case report

65Annali di Stomatologia 2012; III (2): 64-68

mild signs of gingival inflammation (plaque retention and bleeding on probing), without deformations or swelling of the region (Fig.1). The panoramic x-ray (Fig.2) revealed the presence of two large dense radiopaque masses in close association mesially and distally to the roots of the impacted tooth, consistent with the provisional diagno-sis of complex odontoma. A computed tomography (CT) with the Dentascan program (Siemens Rs Somaton Vol-ume Zoom Kv 120 mA 140; Siemens, Erlangen, Germa-ny) (Figs. 3, 4), obtained in order to define the extension of the lesion and the anatomical topography, showed an intimate relationship between the inferior alveolar nerve and the odontoma-tooth unit. Surgical removal of the impacted third molar and the associated odontoma was planned. The patient received a single dose of 2 g of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin 1 g, GlaxoS-mithKline, Verona, Italy) 1 h before surgery, together with a single dose (100 mg) of non-steroidal anti-inflammato-ry drug (Nimesulide, Aulin, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland). Surgery was performed under local anes-thesia. Local anaesthesia was performed (2% mepiva-caine with 1:100,000 epinephrine) by IAN block injection and tissue infiltration. A mucoperiosteal buccal flap was reflected and bone was removed on the mesial, buccal and distal aspect of the third molar area with the Ultra-

Figure 4 - Sagittal CT scan examination showing an intimate re-lationship between the inferior alveolar nerve and the odontoma-tooth unit.

Figure 1 - Clinical examination of the impacted left mandibular third molar showing mild signs of gingival inflammation.

Figure 2 - Appearance of two large dense radiopaque masses closely associated to the roots of the impacted lower third molar at the orthopanoramic examination.

Figure 3 - Panorex CT scan obtained in order to define the exten-sion of the lesion and regional anatomical topography.

Sonic Bone Surgery UBS® device (Italia Medica, Milan, Italy) (Fig.5). The same device was used to separate the odontoma from the tooth. After sectioning, both the third molar and the associated lesion were gently removed using root elevators (Figs. 6, 7). The wound was care-fully irrigated and the flap was repositioned and sutured with 4.0 suture (Vicryl®, ETHICON GmbH, Germany) (Figs. 8, 9). On macroscopic examination, the masses appeared to be a complex odontoma (Fig. 10), and the histopathological examination confirmed this diagnosis (12). After surgery, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (1 g twice a day for 1 week) and nimesulide (100 mg twice a day for 2 days, and then as needed) were prescribed to the patient. Immediate postoperative wound healing was satisfactory, and the post-operative panoramic radio-graph showed the integrity of the mandibular canal (Fig. 11). No symptoms or signs of neurosensory impairment

M. P. Cristalli et al.

66 Annali di Stomatologia 2012; III (2): 64-68

Figure 5 - Mucoperiosteal buccal flap reflection and bone remov-al with the Ultrasonic Bone Surgery.

Figure 8 - The wound after third molar removal.

Figure 9 - The flap repositioned and sutured.

Figure 6 - The separation of the odontoma from the third molar and its removal with the ultrasonic device.

Figure 7 - The third molar sectioned and then removed using root elevators.

of the innervated area, the inferior alveolar nerve, or the lingual nerve could be detected.We confirm that we have read the Helsinki Declaration and have followed the guidelines concerning this report.

Discussion

The present case showed an impacted lower third molar associated with a relatively large complex odontoma in an intimate relationship with the inferior alveolar nerve canal. Surgical technique seems to play a major role in causing complications related to third molar extraction (13). Thus, a careful operating technique and adequate instruments may limit the occurrence of complications. Here, the removal of the odontoma-tooth unit was car-ried out by using an ultrasonic surgery device in order

Ultrasonic bone surgery in the treatment of impacted lower third molar associated to a complex odontoma: a case report

67Annali di Stomatologia 2012; III (2): 64-68

seems similar (18) or even improved because piezoelec-tric bone surgery seems to induce an earlier increase in neo-osteogenesis, resulting in a more positive osse-ous response (19, 20). The latter may depend on the cavitation effect induced by ultrasonic cutting that allows an effective cooling avoiding significant hyperthermia and coagulation damages to the surrounding area (21). The same effect is responsible for a higher visibility dur-ing surgery compared to conventional instruments due to the evacuation of detritus with the aerosol formation (14). In the present case, the piezoelectric device used is the Ultra Sonic Bone Surgery UBS® (UBS). The vibra-tion frequency of UBS is in the 20-32 kHz range and the maximum ultrasound power is 90 W. Increased power of the ultrasonic vibration and a higher vibrating frequency may result in a higher cutting efficiency in hard bone. Therefore, less pressure on the working tip is required further reducing the risk of thermal damage to the bone. High power also allows for good cutting in case there is soft bone, since the softer the bone the higher the ul-trasound power required (21). Finally, the decrease of post-surgical complications with the use of ultrasound bone surgery after lower third molar removal must be considered, as reported by different authors (22,23).

Conclusion

The use of Ultrasound Bone Surgery in surgical cases, where risk for noble soft tissue damage is high, appears to be a valid alternative technique confirming other lit-erature reports.

References

1. Marciani RD. Third molar removal: an overview of indica-tions, imaging, evaluation, and assessment of risk. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2007 Feb; 19(1): 1-13.

2. Bui CH, Seldin EB, Dodson TB. Types, frequencies, and risk factors for complications after third molar extraction. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2003 Dec; 61(12): 1379-89.

3. Malkawi Z, Al-Omiri MK, Khraisat A. Risk indicators of post-operative complications following surgical extraction of lower third molars. Med Princ Pract. 2011; 20(4): 321-5.

4. Chrcanovic BR, Custódio AL. Considerations of mandibular angle fractures during and after surgery for removal of third molars: a review of the literature. Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2010 Jun; 14(2): 71-80.

5. Woldenberg Y, Gatot I, Bodner L. Iatrogenic mandibular fracture associated with third molar removal. Can it be prevented? Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2007 Jan 1; 12(1): E70-2.

6. Brauer HU. Unusual complications associated with third molar surgery: a systematic review. Quintessence Int. 2009 Jul-Aug; 40(7): 565-72.

7. Renton T, McGurk M. Evaluation of factors predictive of lingual nerve injury in third molar surgery. Br J Oral Max-illofac Surg. 2001 Dec; 39(6): 423-8.

8. Tay AB, Go WS. Effect of exposed inferior alveolar neuro-

to reduce risk for inferior alveolar nerve damage. Ultra-sonic surgery is a tissue-selective technique that allows a micrometric, precise and smooth cut into mineralized tissue, while adjacent soft tissue such as nerves, ves-sels, periosteum or Schneiderian membrane (in case of maxillary sinus surgery) remain uninjured, because surgical action ceases when the device tips come in contact with non-mineralized tissue (14,15). An in vitro study concerning inferior alveolar nerve transposition by piezoelectric surgery showed that after surgery the epi-neurium became roughened without any damage to the deeper structures (16). Compared to traditional surgery by conventional burs or chisels, ultrasonic cutting pre-cision and selectivity constitute important advantages, particularly in those cases where the surgery target is in close relationship with noble soft tissue structures (17). As a result, even less experienced surgeons (though properly trained) can perform such procedure, since the learning curve with ultrasonic surgery technique is strongly reduced compared to traditional surgery with ro-tating instruments (15). Nevertheless, a careful surgical approach remains critical considering that soft tissue can be damaged by excessive mechanical force while using the device. In addition, when compared with traditional surgery, bone healing following piezoelectric surgery

Figure 10 - The complex odontoma.

Figure 11 - The post-operative orthopanoramic radiographs showing the integrity of the mandibular canal.

M. P. Cristalli et al.

68 Annali di Stomatologia 2012; III (2): 64-68

vascular bundle during surgical removal of impacted lower third molars. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2004 May; 62(5): 592-600.

9. Tolstunov L. Lingual nerve vulnerability: risk analysis and case report. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2007 Jan; 28(1): 28-31.

10. Ziccardi VB, Zuniga JR. Nerve injuries after third molar removal. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2007 Feb; 19(1): 105-15.

11. Blus C, Szmukler-Moncler S, Vozza I, Rispoli L, Polastri C. Split-crest and immediate implant placement with ultra-sonic bone surgery (piezosurgery): 3-year follow-up of 180 treated implant sites. Quintessence Int. 2010 Jun; 41(6): 463-9.

12. Philipsen HP, Reichart PA. Classification of odontogenic tumours. A historical review. J Oral Pathol Med. 2006 Oct; 35(9): 525-9.

13. Brann CR, Brickley MR, Shepherd JP. Factors influencing nerve damage during lower third molar surgery. Br Dent J. 1999 May 22; 186(10): 514-6.

14. Barone A, Santini S, Marconcini S, Giacomelli L, Gherlone E, Covani U. Osteotomy and membrane elevation during the maxillary sinus augmentation procedure. A compara-tive study: piezoelectric device vs. conventional rotative instruments. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2008 May; 19 (5): 511-5.

15. Schlee M, Steigmann M, Bratu E, Garg AK. Piezosurgery: Basics and Possibilities. Implant Dent. 2006 Dec; 15(4): 334-40.

16. Degerliyurt K, Akar V, Denizci S, Yucel E. Bone lid tech-nique with piezosurgery to preserve inferior alveolar nerve.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2009 Dec; 108(6): e1-5.

17. Chiriac G, Herten M, Schwarz F, Rothamel D, Becker J. Au-togenous bone chips: influence of a new piezoelectric de-vice (Piezosurgery) on chip morphology, cell viability and differentiation. J Clin Periodontol. 2005 Sep; 32(9): 994-9.

18. Preti G, Martinasso G, Peirone B et al. Cytokines and growth factors involved in the osseointegration of oral tita-nium implants positioned using piezoelectric bone surgery versus a drill technique: a pilot study in minipigs. J Peri-odontol. 2007 Apr; 78(4): 716-22.

19. Vercellotti T, Kim DM, Wada K, Fiorellini JP. Osseous re-sponse following respective therapy with piezosurgery. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2005 Dec; 25(6): 543-9.

20. Emam TA, Cuschieri A. How safe is high-power ultrasonic dissection? Ann Surg. 2003 Feb; 237(2): 186-91.

21. Blus C, Szmukler-Moncler S. Split-crest and immediate implant placement with ultra-sonic bone surgery: a 3-year life-table analysis with 230 treated sites. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2006 Dec; 17(6): 700-7.

22. Goyal M, Marya K, Jhamb A, Chawla S, Sonoo PR, Singh V, Aggarwal A. Comparative evaluation of surgical out-come after removal of impacted mandibular third molars using a Piezotome or a conventional handpiece: a pro-spective study. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011 Nov 14. [Epub ahead of print]

23. Barone A, Marconcini S, Giacomelli L, Rispoli L, Calvo JL, Covani U. A randomized clinical evaluation of ultrasound bone surgery versus traditional rotary instruments in lower third molar extraction. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2010 Feb; 68(2): 330-6.